West Coast v North Melbourne AFL betting tips – R20, 2023

West Coast v North Melbourne best bets

Eagles v Kangaroos AFL match preview

In the final game of round 20, the North Melbourne Kangaroos travel across to Perth to take on the West Coast Eagles. The two bottom sides in the AFL, this match offers the opportunity for one of these teams to break their 16-match losing streak.

The Eagles faced the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium last weekend, where they were comprehensively beaten by 71 points. Trailing by 82 points at half time, the Eagles were never in the match, conceding a 10-goal haul to Charlie Curnow. However, one positive for the Eagles was winning the second half by 11 points, providing some positive momentum they can carry over to this weekend.

Last weekend North Melbourne played against the St Kilda Saints, going down by eight points in an exciting finish. After a slow start, the Kangaroos proceeded to kick six goals to one throughout the middle of the match to lead by 16 at three-quarter time. Unfortunately for the Roos, they conceded five goals to one in the last quarter.

A late withdrawal before last week’s game, West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass has now been ruled out for the rest of the season. Veteran midfielder Luke Shuey will also miss due to a hamstring injury, while Sam Petrevski-Seton has been suspended for the next two weeks. In positive news, Elliott Yeo is expected to return after suffering from a hip injury.

North Melbourne will be without veteran Liam Shiels, who suffered a calf injury last weekend, but should be boosted by the return Jy Simpkin after the skipper was cleared of concussion symptoms during the week.

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West Coast v North Melbourne betting predictions

With both sides coming into this on 16-game losing streaks, there is little form to pick from. However, it is hard to look past the Eagles’ exceptionally poor record as the lowest-scoring and highest-conceding side in the AFL.

With close losses to St Kilda, Essendon and Sydney across this losing streak, the Kangaroos have shown they can compete at times. In comparison, the Eagles have one of the worst percentages of all time and have rarely looked competitive. Take North as $1.65 favourites with Bet365.

Returning from his second concussion this season, Jy Simpkin has averaged over 23 disposals in games where he hasn’t been subbed out this season. He also collected 25 disposals when the Roos beat the Eagles in round one. Expected to attend over 80% of the centre bounces, Simpkin shows great value for 25 or more disposals at $1.94 with Palmerbet.

Tim Kelly has been one of West Coast’s few positives this season. Averaging nearly 28 disposals a game, the former Cat has stood up despite the poor results on the scoreboard. After his lowest disposal tally of the year last week, expect Kelly to bounce back with 25 or more disposals at $1.40 with top AFL bookmakers.

Eagles v Roos key matchup: Allen v McKay

Oscar Allen vs Ben McKay

The main target of the West Coast forward line, Oscar Allen’s return this season has been extremely impressive given his side’s scoring woes. Sitting eighth in the Coleman Medal race, Allen had his first goalless game of the season last weekend. Facing another struggling side, expect Allen to have plenty of opportunities inside 50.

Tasked with the best forward each week, Ben McKay will have his hands full once again against Allen. With varying success against opposition forwards this season, the North Melbourne defender will be looking to continue his good form after a strong showing last weekend against the Saints.

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